Hunting

A state program for deer donations led to 140,000 pounds of ground venison for Michigan food banks in the last fiscal year.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says there is a new online deer harvest reporting process for hunters that they must follow.

Fines for not following the ban can be issued.

The Association to Rescue Kritters, or ARK, of St. Helen say many of the birds of prey are testing positive for high lead contamination. Officials say it's most likely from eating deer remains or fish with lead fragments left behind from bullets or fishing lures.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said the proposals will support forest management outcomes detailed in the Beaver Island Implementation Plan created by the Northern Lake Michigan Islands Collaborative.

To help track the spread of CWD and help hunters who suspect they've harvested a deer with the disease, the DNR is offering free testing kits at different locations across the state.

Some argue baiting helps hunters kill more deer, curbing the spread of disease. Scientists say that's risky.

The DNR said daily high temperatures during 2024's early hunt were consistently above 70 degrees, which hampered hunting.

Many Midwest states and outdoor organizations are now trying to reach groups that haven’t historically participated in hunting — including women. But while women make up about a third of new hunters, many face barriers to break into and continue with the sport.

The number of hunters is in decline and impacting on the economy in northeast Michigan. WCMU's David Nicholas spoke with Steve Schulwitz of the Alpena News to learn more about the shifting trends in hunting.